Tools Hacker News keeps asking for
Over the years, many individuals on Hacker News have repeatedly expressed their desire for various tools. An analysis of comments from 2008 to present reveals that 12,441 comments specifically requested software solutions. Ranking the most frequently requested tools across the longest period of time, four of the top ten requests ask for paid versions of essential software: a Windows operating system without ads or bundled applications, a browser devoid of advertisements and telemetry, an email service that doesn't scan or sell user data, and a search engine free from ads and AI features.
The majority of these requests (46 out of 100) emphasize a preference for local or private tools. Just eight requests indicate a desire for AI-driven solutions. Notably, 81 of these requested tools have already been launched on Show HN, with 1,423 instances of interest recorded. Additionally, 64 of the requested tools were first proposed in 2012 or earlier.
Since 2024, there has been a notable shift, with 27% of requests seeking improved versions of existing software, as opposed to just 14% in the 2008 to 2011 period.
Written by urgent.news from Hacker News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
